BUSBAR ADAPTER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a busbar adapter for connection to a polyphase busbar system, wherein the busbar adapter comprises a top covering element and a bottom covering element, contact devices and contact lines. The busbar adapter also comprises a current measuring device which is designed such that current measurement can be carried out for each phase of the busbar adapter in the busbar adapter.

Claims

1. A busbar adapter for connection to a polyphase busbar system (10), preferably to a three-phase busbar system (10) having three busbars (12, 14, 16), wherein a housing of the busbar adapter comprises a top covering element (300) and a bottom covering element (200), and wherein the top covering element (300) is designed to fasten electrical devices thereto, and wherein the bottom covering element (200) is designed to produce an electrical connection to the busbars (12, 14, 16) of the busbar system (10), wherein the busbar adapter (100) comprises at least two contact devices (270), each for connection to one busbar (12, 14, 16), and at least two contact lines (112, 114, 116) for an electrical connection to an electrical device, wherein each contact line (112, 114, 116) is electrically connected to one contact device (270), and wherein the contact devices (270) are arranged on the bottom covering element (200), wherein the busbar adapter (100) comprises a current measuring device (212, 214, 216, 212′, 214′, 216′) which is designed such that current measurement can be carried out for each phase of the busbar adapter in the busbar adapter.

2. The busbar adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the current measuring device (212, 214, 216, 212′, 214′, 216′) is arranged on or in the bottom covering element (200).

3. The busbar adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the current measuring device comprises at least one Rogowski coil (212, 214, 216, 212′, 214′, 216′), preferably one Rogowski coil per phase.

4. The busbar adapter according to claim 3, characterised in that at least one Rogowski coil (212′, 214′, 216′), preferably all the Rogowski coils, are arranged and fastened in the busbar adapter (100) such that a plane in which the coil windings of the Rogowski coil (212′, 214′, 216′) lie lies parallel or substantially parallel to a plane which is formed by the busbars (12, 14, 16) of the busbar system (10).

5. The busbar adapter according to claim 3, characterised in that at least one Rogowski coil (212, 214, 216), preferably all the Rogowski coils, are arranged and fastened in the busbar adapter (100) such that a plane in which the coil windings of the Rogowski coil (212, 214, 216) lie runs perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane which is formed by the busbars (12, 14, 16) of the busbar system (100).

6. The busbar adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that the bottom covering element (200) comprises at least two receiving pockets (292), preferably slot-shaped receiving pockets (292), each for one current measuring device, in particular one Rogowski coil (212, 214, 216), wherein the receiving pockets (292) each define a plane which lies perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane which is formed by the busbars (12, 14, 16) of the busbar system (100).

7. The busbar adapter according to claim 6, characterised in that the bottom covering element (200) comprises at least two foot elements (290) for fastening the busbar adapter (100) to the busbars (12, 14, 16), wherein each of the receiving pockets (292) for a current measuring device, in particular a Rogowski coil (212, 214, 216), extends at least partially into a foot element (290).

8. The busbar adapter according to claim 6, characterised in that the receiving pockets (290) are in the form of blind holes.

9. The busbar adapter according to claim 3, characterised in that the Rogowski coils (212, 214, 216, 212′, 214′, 216′) are implemented as a component which has a plate shape, preferably a rectangular plate shape, in particular a square plate shape.

10. The busbar adapter according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises an electronic evaluation unit (400).

11. The busbar adapter according to claim 10, characterised in that the electronic evaluation unit (400) comprises a housing (420) which can be fastened to an end face of the busbar adapter (100), in particular to an end face (284) of the bottom covering element (200) of the busbar adapter (100), wherein the housing (420) preferably comprises one or more hook elements (442, 444, 440; 462, 464, 460), which can be inserted into associated openings in an end face (284) of the busbar adapter, in particular associated openings in an end face (284) of the bottom covering element (200) of the busbar adapter (100).

12. The busbar adapter according to claim 10, characterised in that the electronic evaluation unit (400) can be fastened to an end face (284) of the bottom covering element (200) of the busbar adapter, wherein the busbar adapter is designed such that the electronic evaluation unit (400) is locked by the top covering element (300) on the end face (284) of the bottom covering element when the bottom covering element (200) and the top covering element (300) are in their operating position.

13. The busbar adapter according to claim 3, characterised in that the contact lines (112, 114, 116, 100) are stripped of insulation in the region of the Rogowski coils (212, 214, 216, 212′, 214′, 216′).

14. The busbar adapter according to claim 10, characterised in that each of the current measuring devices, in particular each of the Rogowski coils (212, 214, 216, 212′, 214′, 216′), are connected to the electronic evaluation unit (400) by means of electrical lines (220).

15. The busbar adapter according to claim 10, characterised in that the electronic evaluation unit (400) comprises at least one RJ socket (470) for connection to a bus link.

16. A bottom covering element (200) for a busbar adapter (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bottom covering element (200) comprises at least two foot elements (290) for fastening the bottom covering element (200) to busbars (12, 14, 16; 10), wherein the bottom covering element (200) comprises at least two receiving pockets (292, 292′), preferably slot-shaped receiving pockets (292), each for one current measuring device, in particular a Rogowski coil, wherein the receiving pockets (292) each define a plane which runs perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane which is formed by the busbars (12, 14, 16; 10), and wherein each of the receiving pockets (292) extends at least partially into a foot element (290).

Description

[0040] These and further features and advantages of the present invention are detailed using the drawings below, which show particular embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a busbar adapter according to the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of the busbar adapter according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 in a partially exploded diagram;

[0043] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of the busbar adapter shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but without the top covering element;

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of some elements of the embodiment of a busbar adapter according to the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a busbar adapter according to the invention, but without an associated top covering element;

[0046] FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of some elements of the embodiment of a busbar adapter according to the invention shown in FIG. 5;

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a housing of an electronic evaluation unit;

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a partially cut-away view of a portion of a busbar adapter according to the invention;

[0049] FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of some elements of a further embodiment of a busbar adapter according to the invention;

[0050] FIG. 10 shows a view from above of a measuring element, which operates by means of a capacitive coupling and can be used in an embodiment as shown for example in FIG. 9; and

[0051] FIG. 11 shows a cross section through the measuring element shown in FIG. 10, along line B-B.

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a busbar adapter 100 according to the invention for connection to a triple-pole or three-phase busbar system 10, which comprises three busbars 12, 14, 16, which are partially shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] The busbar adapter 100 comprises a bottom covering element 200 and a top covering element 300, which are connected to each other in an operating position, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0054] In this embodiment, the top covering element 300 comprises holding or fastening flanges 340 on which, in different positions, one or more carrying rails 320 for fastening electrical devices can be fastened.

[0055] The bottom covering element 200 comprises in total three feet and three contact devices, by means of which the bottom covering element 200 and thus the busbar adapter 100 can be fastened to the busbars 12, 14, 16 and brought into electrical contact with same. In this perspective view, the feet and contact elements are difficult or impossible to see but are shown in more detail in particular in FIG. 4.

[0056] The bottom covering element has two end faces, only one of which, specifically the end face 282, is shown in FIG. 1 owing to the perspective diagram, while the other end face (284; see FIG. 4) is arranged opposite, so that the busbars 12, 14, 16 run between these end faces 282, 284 when the busbar adapter 100 is arranged in its position and fastened on the busbar system 10.

[0057] The embodiment of the busbar adapter 100 shown in FIG. 1 also comprises an electronic evaluation unit 400, which is attached and fastened to one end face (284; see FIG. 4) of the bottom covering element 200.

[0058] The busbar adapter 100 comprises in total three contact lines 112, 114, 116, referred to jointly with reference sign 110, which are connected to the contact devices (270; see in particular FIG. 4) and produce the electrical connection to an electrical device which can be arranged and fastened on the busbar adapter 100, in particular on the carrying rail 320, which, as described above, can be adjusted in position substantially in a region between the two end faces (282, 284; see FIG. 4).

[0059] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a partially exploded diagram, in which the top covering element 300 is shown shifted partially vertically upwards to make the bottom covering element 200 visible.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the top covering element has been completely removed.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows the course of the contact lines 112, 114, 116 and at least part of the contact devices 270; see also FIG. 4.

[0062] The busbar adapter 100 also comprises a current measuring device, which in this embodiment is implemented overall by Rogowski coils 212, 214, 216. As can be seen easily in FIG. 3, the Rogowski coils 212, 214, 216 in this embodiment are arranged vertically, that is, substantially parallel to the end faces 282 (284; see FIG. 4) or else perpendicular to an x-y plane which is formed by the busbars of the busbar system. The Rogowski coils or the plate-shaped components therefore extend in a y-z direction, in which the plane of the end faces 282 (284; see FIG. 4) of the bottom covering element also extends.

[0063] The plate-shaped Rogowski coils 212, 214, 216 are arranged in slot-shaped receiving pockets 292, which likewise extend vertically or in the y-z direction and partially project into an associated foot of the bottom covering element 200, which can be seen better in FIG. 4.

[0064] The Rogowski coils 212, 214, 216 or the corresponding components have a substantially centrally arranged opening, through which the contact lines 112, 114, 116 are routed, so that the current measurement can be carried out for each phase.

[0065] The Rogowski coils 212, 214, 216 are connected to the electronic evaluation unit 400 by means of lines 220, so that the results of the current measurement can be received, processed and/or forwarded there, for example via a bus system.

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view through some components of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 4 again illustrates the arrangement of the Rogowski coils, in particular the Rogowski coil 212, which has a central opening 213, through which the contact line 112 is routed. As can likewise be seen clearly in FIG. 4, the contact line 112 is stripped of insulation in the region of the Rogowski coil 212.

[0067] FIG. 4 also shows the slot-shaped receiving pocket 292 for receiving the Rogowski coil 212, the receiving pocket 292 extending partially into the region of the foot 290. The Rogowski coil 212 or the corresponding component also therefore extends partially, in the embodiment shown here over approximately half its edge length, into the region of the foot 290 of the bottom covering element 200.

[0068] As can therefore be seen easily in FIG. 4, the Rogowski coils 212 (214, 216; see FIG. 3) are therefore arranged in a particularly space-saving and effective manner, so that the height of the bottom covering element does not have to be increased in comparison with busbar adapters without current measurement. At the same time, the Rogowski coils do not project beyond an upper edge of the bottom covering element 200, that is, beyond an edge of the bottom covering element 200 which is oriented towards the top covering element.

[0069] As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the electronic evaluation unit 400 is arranged on an end face 284 of the bottom covering element 200, and the dimensions are selected such that the height of the busbar adapter is not increased at all by the evaluation unit.

[0070] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of a busbar adapter 100 according to the invention, which is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and therefore reference is also made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 4 to avoid repetitions.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, however, the Rogowski coils 212′, 214′, 216′ are arranged differently, specifically parallel to an x-y plane which is spanned by the busbars 12, 14, 16 of the busbar system 10. The Rogowski coils 212′, 214′, 216′ therefore extend in an x-y direction.

[0072] In this embodiment too, receiving pockets 292′ are provided, which are arranged in the bottom covering element 200, while the contact lines 112, 114, 116 are likewise routed through an opening in the Rogowski coils 212′, 214′, 216′, the current measurement being carried out at least partially in the region of the contact devices in such an embodiment.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional diagram of some elements of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, similar to FIG. 4 with regard to the first embodiment, and therefore reference is made to the description of FIG. 4 to avoid repetitions.

[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the Rogowski coils 212′ (the other Rogowski coils are not shown in this partial cross-sectional drawing) are arranged such that they extend in a plane parallel to the x-y plane which is spanned by the busbars 12, 14, 16.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a housing 420 of the electronic evaluation unit as can be used in the two aforementioned embodiments.

[0076] As can be seen clearly in FIG. 7, the housing 420 comprises lower hook elements 442, 444, provided overall with reference sign 440, and upper hook elements 462, 464, provided overall with reference sign 460. These hook elements 440, 460 are inserted into the corresponding openings in the bottom covering element, so that the electronic evaluation unit or the housing 420 can be connected securely to the busbar adapter, in particular the bottom covering element. The lower hook elements 440 are bent downwards, that is, in the z direction, while the upper hook elements 460 are bent inwards, that is, in the y direction, so that secure positioning is ensured in all directions.

[0077] FIG. 8 shows a partial view from above of an embodiment of a busbar adapter according to the invention in the region in which the electronic evaluation unit 400 is arranged.

[0078] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the upper hook elements 462 and 464 lie in associated openings 262, 264 which are provided in the end wall 284 of the bottom covering element. The openings 262 and 264 are open at the top, so that the hook elements 462, 464 can be inserted easily.

[0079] As soon as the top covering element (not shown in FIG. 8) is placed onto the bottom covering element 200, the hook elements 462 and 464 are held and locked in the associated openings 262, 264, so that the evaluation unit 400 is fastened securely to the busbar adapter.

[0080] FIG. 9 shows a partial cross-sectional view of some elements of a further embodiment of a busbar adapter according to the invention. This embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is very similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and therefore reference is made in particular to the description of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to avoid repetitions.

[0081] In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the embodiment of the busbar adapter 100 according to the invention shown in FIG. 9 additionally comprises a measuring element which can carry out measurements for each of the phases by means of a capacitive coupling.

[0082] As can be seen in FIG. 9, this embodiment of the busbar adapter 100 comprises a measuring element 800, part of which extends in the busbar adapter 100 itself and part of which extends into the evaluation unit 400. To this end, the measuring element 800 comprises multiple capacitive elements 820, which are arranged such that, in the operating position, they are directly adjacent to the contact lines (112, 114, 116; see for example FIG. 3; only one of the contact lines, specifically the contact line 112, can be seen in FIG. 9).

[0083] FIG. 10 shows a view from above of the measuring element 800, and it can be seen very easily in FIG. 10 that the measuring element 800 comprises three capacitive elements 820 in total, for each of the three phases.

[0084] The capacitive element 820 which can be seen in FIG. 9 corresponds to the capacitive element 820 shown on the left in FIG. 10.

[0085] Finally, FIG. 11 shows a cross section through a capacitive module 800 along line B-B in FIG. 10, in which the capacitive element 820 is likewise easily visible. This capacitive element allows further and more detailed monitoring of the operating state of the overall system.

[0086] The features of the invention disclosed in the description, claims and drawings can be essential to the implementation both individually and in any combination.